Oakland Raiders: 5 Key matchups vs. Ravens in Week 5
By Nick Sparrow
4. Amari Cooper vs. Brandon Carr
Amari Cooper looked great in Oakland’s Week 1 game when he pulled in five catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. Since that game, Cooper has struggled with only seven receptions for 48 yards and no touchdowns. It isn’t clear why Cooper has struggled so much, specifically for the last two weeks.
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In Week 2, Cooper’s productivity suffered at the hands of receiver Michael Crabtree, who had three touchdowns in that game. In Weeks 2 and 3, Cooper played good defenses and was covered by elite corners. We could be looking at a bad stretch that Cooper will bounce out of soon. However, now that quarterback EJ Manuel will take over for the injured Derek Carr, it’s hard to imagine Cooper’s season will get any easier.
Brandon Carr will be tasked with covering Cooper for much of this game. Carr has proven to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league for the first four weeks of this season. Carr currently ranks second in the league in interceptions and fifth in passes defended. Cooper seems to be on the decline this season just as Carr is stepping up.
Manuel will need all the help he can get if he hopes to win this game. If Carr is able to take Cooper out of this game, as he has been taken out the last two weeks, the result should be the same: a loss for Oakland.